Are you craving a hearty, nutritious soup that promises to transport you straight to grandma's kitchen? Look no further than this incredible Great Northern Bean Soup! Packed with protein-rich beans and a medley of fresh vegetables, this recipe is not just a meal—it's a warm hug in a bowl. Whether you're battling a chilly evening or simply want a soul-satisfying dish that comes together with minimal effort, this soup will become your new go-to comfort food that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 60 mins
Total Time: 75 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound Great Northern beans
- 6 cups vegetable broth
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Sort and rinse the dried Great Northern beans, removing any stones or damaged beans. Place beans in a large bowl and cover with cold water, allowing them to soak overnight or for at least 8 hours.
- After soaking, drain and rinse the beans thoroughly under cold running water to remove any excess starch.
- In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, heat a small amount of olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions, diced carrots, and diced celery. Sauté the vegetables until they become soft and the onions turn translucent, approximately 5-7 minutes.
- Add minced garlic to the vegetables and cook for an additional 30 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Pour the vegetable broth into the pot and add the soaked beans. Stir in the dried thyme, salt, and black pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover the pot and let the soup simmer gently for 50-60 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Check the beans for tenderness. They should be soft but not mushy. If needed, continue cooking for an additional 10-15 minutes.
- Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as required.
- Remove from heat and let the soup rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together.
- Ladle the hot soup into bowls and serve with crusty bread or crackers if desired.
Tips
- Soaking is Key: Always soak your beans overnight to reduce cooking time and improve digestibility. This helps break down complex sugars that can cause digestive discomfort.
- Fresh Herbs Matter: While dried thyme works great, consider adding fresh thyme or a sprig of rosemary for an extra layer of aromatic flavor.
- Don't Rush the Sautéing: Take your time caramelizing the onions, carrots, and celery. This builds a rich flavor foundation for your entire soup.
- Liquid Level Check: Keep an eye on your broth during simmering. If the soup looks too thick, add a bit more vegetable broth to maintain your desired consistency.
- Make Ahead Friendly: This soup tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to make a large batch and store in the refrigerator for quick, delicious meals throughout the week.
- Garnish Options: Enhance your soup with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, a dollop of sour cream, or some crispy croutons for added texture and flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 15g
Fat: 2g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
